MSCI Defers Exclusion Rules, Corporate Bitcoin Holders Rally
MSCI's decision to defer restrictive exclusion rules sparked a relief rally for corporate bitcoin holders. While treasury strategies dominated the headlines, traditional financial institutions continued their march on-chain with new tokenization pilots and ETF filings, even as miners adjusted their balance sheets to weather revenue pressures. Stay up on the crypto news that matters with "Crypto Currents," daily from The Fly. Join us at 2 PM ET for your essential briefing on the fast-moving world of cryptocurrency on FlyCast radio.MSCI DEFERRAL DECISION BOOSTS CRYPTO TREASURY STOCKS: In a significant development for equities with heavy digital asset exposure, index provider MSCIhas decided not to implement its proposal to exclude "Digital Asset Treasury Companies," or DATCOs, from its global indexes during the February 2026 review., the index provider will instead open a broader consultation on the treatment of non-operating companies. The deferral removes a near-term technical risk that could have forced investors to sell shares of companies that use digital assets like bitcoinor etheras primary treasury reserve assets, preserving benchmark-related capital inflows for now.The news provided an immediate lift to the sector, with the largest corporate bitcoin holder, Strategy, surging 6% in after-hours trading on Tuesday. Other firms with similar treasury strategies, including Bitmine Immersion, Sharplink Gaming, and Twenty One Capital, also saw modest gains following the announcement. Additionally, Strategy's perpetual preferred stockreclaimed the $100 par value level for the first time since November. This return to par allows the company to potentially issue more shares through at-the-market offerings to fund further bitcoin purchases.RIOT AND CLEANSPARK ADJUST BITCOIN TREASURIES AMID REVENUE PRESSURE:While treasury firms saw relief, bitcoin miners spent December adjusting their holdings to manage operational realities.that Riot Platformssold $162M worth of bitcoin in December, reducing its treasury to 18,005 BTC. The sale, which marked Riot's largest single-month liquidation to date, coincided with a slump in "hashprice", a term defined as a measure of mining profitability, back toward cycle lows. Riot was not alone in this strategy, as peer miner CleanSparksold 577 BTC in December, generating $51.5M in proceeds. The sales come as miners grapple with compressed margins while continuing to expand capacity, with Riot increasing its deployed hashrate to 38.5 EH/s.JPMORGAN EXPANDS JPM COIN TO CANTON NETWORK:JPMorganis significantly expanding the utility of its blockchain-based payment rail., the bank's digital payments division, Kinexys, is launching JPM Coin on the Canton Network, a layer-1 blockchain designed for institutional finance. This integration allows JPM Coin to function as a deposit token representing U.S. dollars held at the bank, facilitating 24/7 peer-to-peer transfers and settlements. In related developments, Lloyds Banking Group (LYG) completed the U.K.'s first government bond purchase using tokenized deposits, and Barclaysinvested in Ubyx to develop clearing systems for tokenized money,.CORPORATE WEB3 ADOPTION STRATEGIES DIVERGE:Corporate adoption of Web3 technologies remains mixed. Rumble (RUM) shares moved higher after the video platform launched a non-custodial crypto wallet in partnership with Tether.the integration allows creators to receive tips in bitcoin and stablecoins directly. Conversely, Nikehas reportedly sold its NFT studio, RTFKT, ending a high-profile metaverse experiment. The sale follows the shutdown of the subsidiary's operations amid a cooling NFT market.REGULATORY LANDSCAPE SHIFTS WITH ALL REPUBLICAN SEC COMMISSION:The regulatory outlook in Washington is shifting, with the SEC now comprised entirely of Republican commissioners following the departure of Caroline Crenshaw. This "unusual" composition is expected to pave the way for a pro-crypto rulemaking agenda in 2026, potentially removing prior hurdles for the industry..PRICE ACTION:As of time of writing, bitcoin was trading at$91, 237.43, while ether was trading at $3,159.39,.
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MSCI CFO to Participate in Investor Conferences
- Investor Conference Schedule: MSCI's CFO Andrew Wiechmann will speak at the UBS Financial Services Conference on February 9, 2026, at 9:40 AM Eastern Time, showcasing the company's leadership in the financial ecosystem.
- Conference Agenda: Following this, Wiechmann will also present at the Raymond James Annual Institutional Investors Conference on March 3, 2026, at 8:40 AM Eastern Time, further enhancing engagement with investors.
- Webcast Availability: Both events will feature live webcasts and replays available on MSCI's Investor Relations homepage, ensuring that investors unable to attend in person can still access relevant information.
- Company Background: MSCI Inc. strengthens global markets by providing research-based data, analytics, and indexes that help global investors understand risks and opportunities, enabling better decision-making and fostering innovation across various financial participants, including asset managers and banks.
MSCI to Announce February 2026 Index Review Results
- Index Review Timing: MSCI will announce the results of the February 2026 Index Review on February 10, 2026, at 11:00 PM CET, covering various categories including Global Standard, Small Cap, and Micro Cap indexes, which is expected to influence global investor decisions.
- Effective Change Date: All changes to the indexes will take effect at the close of February 27, 2026, and this review is likely to directly impact portfolio construction and adjustments, potentially leading to a reallocation of capital flows.
- Information Release Channels: MSCI will publish the list of additions and deletions to the indexes on its website, and clients can access detailed rebalancing information immediately after the announcement, providing timely market dynamics and decision support for investors.
- Client Access Privileges: MSCI clients can access detailed rebalancing information through the subscriber section of its website, enhancing their responsiveness to market changes and further solidifying MSCI's leadership in global investment decision support tools.
MSCI to Announce February 2026 Index Review Results
- Index Review Timing: MSCI will release the list of additions and deletions for the February 2026 Index Review on February 10, 2026, at 11:00 PM CET, with all changes effective at the close on February 27, 2026, thereby influencing global investors' asset allocation decisions.
- Information Dissemination Channels: The announcement will be posted on MSCI's website, followed by a summary on Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring timely access to critical information for clients and enhancing market responsiveness and transparency.
- Client Access to Information: Clients can access detailed rebalancing information in the subscriber section of MSCI's website, a move aimed at improving service quality and meeting investors' demands for data transparency and accessibility.
- Global Market Impact: The review will affect several key indexes, including the MSCI Global Standard and Small Cap Indexes, which is expected to significantly impact the liquidity and market performance of related stocks, further solidifying MSCI's leadership position in the global investment landscape.
Mixed Close for US Stocks as Chipmakers Rally
- Chipmaker Strength: ASML reported record Q4 bookings of €13.2 billion, significantly exceeding the consensus of €6.85 billion, which boosted chipmakers and AI infrastructure stocks, enhancing market confidence in AI spending sustainability.
- Fed Policy Unchanged: The FOMC maintained the interest rate at 3.50%-3.75% as expected, with Chair Powell indicating strong economic performance without signaling imminent rate cuts, keeping market focus on future policy directions.
- Dollar and Gold Fluctuations: The dollar index rebounded after hitting a nearly four-year low, while President Trump's comments on dollar weakness pushed gold prices up over 3% to a new all-time high, reflecting increased demand for safe-haven assets.
- Economic Data Expectations: Initial jobless claims are expected to rise by 5,000 to 205,000 this week, and Q3 nonfarm productivity is anticipated to remain at 4.9%, indicating ongoing economic growth and potential market volatility.
Mixed U.S. Stock Indices as ASML Reports Record Orders
- ASML Record Orders: ASML Holding NV reported Q4 bookings of €13.2 billion, significantly exceeding the consensus of €6.85 billion, indicating robust demand for advanced semiconductor manufacturing and reinforcing its leadership in the chip-making sector.
- Mixed Stock Performance: While the S&P 500 index reached a new all-time high and the Nasdaq 100 hit a three-month peak, market sentiment was tempered by the Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates steady, reflecting investor uncertainty regarding future economic policies.
- Interest Rate Policy Impact: The Fed's choice to maintain the benchmark rate between 3.5% and 3.75% ends a series of three consecutive rate cuts aimed at protecting the labor market, which may exert short-term negative pressure on the stock market.
- Market Focus: This week, the market will closely monitor new tariff news and the prospects for a continued resolution to fund the government, with initial jobless claims expected to rise by 5,000 to 205,000, highlighting the fragility of economic recovery.
US Stocks Edge Up as ASML Reports Record Orders
- Market Performance: The S&P 500 index rose by 0.03%, reaching a new all-time high, while the Nasdaq 100 increased by 0.43%, reflecting strong investor confidence in tech stocks, particularly chipmakers and AI infrastructure.
- ASML Order Surge: ASML Holding NV reported record Q4 bookings of €13.2 billion, significantly exceeding the consensus of €6.85 billion, which not only solidifies the company's leadership in the semiconductor industry but also boosts market optimism regarding sustainable AI spending.
- Economic Data Impact: US MBA mortgage applications fell by 8.5% in the week ending January 23, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down 0.4% and refinancing down 15.7%, indicating pressure from high interest rates on the housing market that could affect future consumer spending.
- Political Risk Escalation: President Trump threatened new 100% tariffs on US imports from Canada and mentioned the possibility of a partial government shutdown, creating uncertainty that could negatively impact the stock market, prompting investors to closely monitor the upcoming FOMC meeting results.
MSCI CFO to Participate in Investor Conferences
- Investor Conference Schedule: MSCI's CFO Andrew Wiechmann will speak at the UBS Financial Services Conference on February 9, 2026, at 9:40 AM Eastern Time, showcasing the company's leadership in the financial ecosystem.
- Conference Agenda: Following this, Wiechmann will also present at the Raymond James Annual Institutional Investors Conference on March 3, 2026, at 8:40 AM Eastern Time, further enhancing engagement with investors.
- Webcast Availability: Both events will feature live webcasts and replays available on MSCI's Investor Relations homepage, ensuring that investors unable to attend in person can still access relevant information.
- Company Background: MSCI Inc. strengthens global markets by providing research-based data, analytics, and indexes that help global investors understand risks and opportunities, enabling better decision-making and fostering innovation across various financial participants, including asset managers and banks.
MSCI to Announce February 2026 Index Review Results
- Index Review Timing: MSCI will announce the results of the February 2026 Index Review on February 10, 2026, at 11:00 PM CET, covering various categories including Global Standard, Small Cap, and Micro Cap indexes, which is expected to influence global investor decisions.
- Effective Change Date: All changes to the indexes will take effect at the close of February 27, 2026, and this review is likely to directly impact portfolio construction and adjustments, potentially leading to a reallocation of capital flows.
- Information Release Channels: MSCI will publish the list of additions and deletions to the indexes on its website, and clients can access detailed rebalancing information immediately after the announcement, providing timely market dynamics and decision support for investors.
- Client Access Privileges: MSCI clients can access detailed rebalancing information through the subscriber section of its website, enhancing their responsiveness to market changes and further solidifying MSCI's leadership in global investment decision support tools.
MSCI to Announce February 2026 Index Review Results
- Index Review Timing: MSCI will release the list of additions and deletions for the February 2026 Index Review on February 10, 2026, at 11:00 PM CET, with all changes effective at the close on February 27, 2026, thereby influencing global investors' asset allocation decisions.
- Information Dissemination Channels: The announcement will be posted on MSCI's website, followed by a summary on Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring timely access to critical information for clients and enhancing market responsiveness and transparency.
- Client Access to Information: Clients can access detailed rebalancing information in the subscriber section of MSCI's website, a move aimed at improving service quality and meeting investors' demands for data transparency and accessibility.
- Global Market Impact: The review will affect several key indexes, including the MSCI Global Standard and Small Cap Indexes, which is expected to significantly impact the liquidity and market performance of related stocks, further solidifying MSCI's leadership position in the global investment landscape.
Mixed Close for US Stocks as Chipmakers Rally
- Chipmaker Strength: ASML reported record Q4 bookings of €13.2 billion, significantly exceeding the consensus of €6.85 billion, which boosted chipmakers and AI infrastructure stocks, enhancing market confidence in AI spending sustainability.
- Fed Policy Unchanged: The FOMC maintained the interest rate at 3.50%-3.75% as expected, with Chair Powell indicating strong economic performance without signaling imminent rate cuts, keeping market focus on future policy directions.
- Dollar and Gold Fluctuations: The dollar index rebounded after hitting a nearly four-year low, while President Trump's comments on dollar weakness pushed gold prices up over 3% to a new all-time high, reflecting increased demand for safe-haven assets.
- Economic Data Expectations: Initial jobless claims are expected to rise by 5,000 to 205,000 this week, and Q3 nonfarm productivity is anticipated to remain at 4.9%, indicating ongoing economic growth and potential market volatility.
Mixed U.S. Stock Indices as ASML Reports Record Orders
- ASML Record Orders: ASML Holding NV reported Q4 bookings of €13.2 billion, significantly exceeding the consensus of €6.85 billion, indicating robust demand for advanced semiconductor manufacturing and reinforcing its leadership in the chip-making sector.
- Mixed Stock Performance: While the S&P 500 index reached a new all-time high and the Nasdaq 100 hit a three-month peak, market sentiment was tempered by the Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates steady, reflecting investor uncertainty regarding future economic policies.
- Interest Rate Policy Impact: The Fed's choice to maintain the benchmark rate between 3.5% and 3.75% ends a series of three consecutive rate cuts aimed at protecting the labor market, which may exert short-term negative pressure on the stock market.
- Market Focus: This week, the market will closely monitor new tariff news and the prospects for a continued resolution to fund the government, with initial jobless claims expected to rise by 5,000 to 205,000, highlighting the fragility of economic recovery.
US Stocks Edge Up as ASML Reports Record Orders
- Market Performance: The S&P 500 index rose by 0.03%, reaching a new all-time high, while the Nasdaq 100 increased by 0.43%, reflecting strong investor confidence in tech stocks, particularly chipmakers and AI infrastructure.
- ASML Order Surge: ASML Holding NV reported record Q4 bookings of €13.2 billion, significantly exceeding the consensus of €6.85 billion, which not only solidifies the company's leadership in the semiconductor industry but also boosts market optimism regarding sustainable AI spending.
- Economic Data Impact: US MBA mortgage applications fell by 8.5% in the week ending January 23, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down 0.4% and refinancing down 15.7%, indicating pressure from high interest rates on the housing market that could affect future consumer spending.
- Political Risk Escalation: President Trump threatened new 100% tariffs on US imports from Canada and mentioned the possibility of a partial government shutdown, creating uncertainty that could negatively impact the stock market, prompting investors to closely monitor the upcoming FOMC meeting results.
